A Practical Handbook for Priestly Ministry

— About the Book —

... Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. ( 1Timothy 4:12)

This book is a guide for the contemporary Orthodox priest in his application of the Apostle’s words to his everyday life, as he serves to convey God’s grace as a shepherd of Christ’s flock.It focuses on the internal formation and preparation of the soul that should underpin the priest's pastoral mission. Building upon this foundation, the guide then includes instruction on how to teach and guide the faithful toward a holy and salvific life in the Church. Perfectly suited as a course book in Pastoral Ministry, this book will at the same time benefit every Christian, whether ordained or not.

The text was edited and compiled by Holy Trinity Monastery from recent and historical sources reflecting the rich heritage of the Russian Orthodox Church, for the benefit of the twenty-first century pastor and aspirant to the priesthood.  It is replete with detailed quotations from the Holy Fathers and the Canons, together with over one hundred references to Holy Scriptures, covering every conceivable pastoral issue. 

If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.  (1 Peter 4:11)

— Author Biography —

The monks who came to Holy Trinity Monastery from Eastern Europe after World War II inherited a tradition of printing that stretches back almost to the invention of the printing press in the fifteenth century. Through the fathers’ tireless efforts, the monastery has been printing and publishing Orthodox Christian books for almost sixty-five years. In keeping with the humble spirit required of a monk, books which are written or prepared by members of the monastic brotherhood are published under the general authorship of Holy Trinity Monastery.

— Contents —

Foreword (Publishers)
Preface [Address to Priests]
Introduction

Part I: The Instruction of the Parishioners

Chapter 1: Instruction of the People by the Word
Chapter 2: What the Priest ought to Teach and Whence
Chapter 3: How the Priest Ought to Teach
Chapter 4: On Instruction by Deed

Part 2: Ministering the Sacraments

Chapter 5: On the Sacraments in General
Chapter 6: Some Important Aspects of Each Sacrament in Particular, Beginning with the Sacrament of Holy Baptism
Chapter 7: The Sacrament of Chrismation
Chapter 8: The Sacrament of Confession
Chapter 9: The Sacrament of Holy Communion, and Some General Remarks Regarding the Serving of the Divine Liturgy
Chapter 10: The Sacrament of Ordination
Chapter 11: The Sacrament of Unction

Part 3: On Prayer

Chapter 12: On Prayer in General
Chapter 13: How to Pray in Spirit and Truth
Chapter 14: Prayer as the Special Duty of Priests
Chapter 15: Some Thoughts on Church Style and its Effect on the Prayer of the Congregation

Concluding Thoughts
Index